Jacksonville vs Little Rock: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Jacksonville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,891 | $62,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.32 | $30.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,966 | $49,203▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,388▲ | $54,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,084▲ | $65,058 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,594▲ | $72,912 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,470▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Little Rock is $3,726 (6.33%). Little Rock's median is -8.01% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $27,628,Little Rock spans $23,709. Jacksonville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($70,070 effective) pays 3.40% more than Jacksonville ($67,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,594)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,617/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,070)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Jacksonville grew 37.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Jacksonville, AR
$40,548 (2024) → $55,715 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$44,430 (2019) → $59,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Jacksonville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Little Rock as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Jacksonville vs Little Rock?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov